IT WAS wet, muddy and pretty miserable, but Prestatyn Running Club members shrugged off all the environmental challenges in the third North Wales Cross-Country League fixture at Dolgellau.

Illness deprived the over-65s team of most of their members, resulting in them forfeiting their chance of end-of-season medals, with supervet Roger Harrison-Jones the only one to complete the course.

In a strong ladies’ field, Lisa Lines was again the club’s first finisher, and she received solid support from Ann Claire Jones and Sophie Johnson, who had their own personal tussle.

The quality of the men’s race was equally high, with in-form Lee Bailey leading the small squad home in 45th place overall.

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To their credit, the men finished third in Division Two, and hold the same position on aggregate with only the Oswestry fixture remaining.

Ladies: 21 Lisa Lines 24.40, 89 Sophie Johnson 30.21, 90 Ann Claire Jones 30.24, 109 Nicki Triggs 33.08, 113 Cara Jones 33.56, 117 Helen Alefounder 34.16, 132 Emma Birchall 41.52, 134 Julie Evans 44.05. Team: 8th.

M65+: 27 Roger Harrison-Jones 44.03 (1st M85).

Men: 45 Lee Bailey 36.54, 67 Ben Thomas 39.13, 114 Reg Jonas 46.41, 122 James Rogers 31.28, 125 Karl Martin 60.20. Team: 3rd.

A few evenings earlier, nine members turned out in an unusual competition, the Horse Fell-Race from Cilcain.

The bitterly cold weather and tricky underfoot conditions added to the atmosphere of the 12k nighttime trail race in which competitors could run in pairs or any other grouping.

The club’s leading trio of Lee Bailey, Ben Thomas and Lisa Lines, under the name Dark Horses, finished 12th overall and second mixed team in 1-24.24.

They were followed by the Spotty Horses – Ally Reid, Ann Claire Jones, Mandy Cartwright  and Sophie Johnson (38th in 2-14.55) and Light Horses Karl and Liz Martin (43rd in 2-19.29.

Only an hour before setting off for Dolgellau on Saturday Ann Claire Jones and Helen Alefounder turned out in the Nova Parkrun, both producing respectable times.

Results: 3 Cam Askan 20.34, 12 Marc Jones 22.49, 23 Sian Beck 24.23, 25 Martin Cortvriend 24.42, 26 Steve Weedman 24.44, 30 Martin Gill 25.46, 40 Andy Clark 26.20, 44 Ann Claire Jones 26.50, 59 Helen Alefounder 28.50, 73 Claudia Smith 30.44, 111 Amy Jones 40.19, 112 Debbie Weedman 40.19.

Aston Hill Parkrun (Birmingham): 5 Dave Ellis 21.16, 28 Andrew Carter 26.45.

Conwy: 5 Oliver Birch-Jones 19.11.

Greenfield Valley: 58 Cathy Wood 35.08 (pb).

Barrow: 76 Linda Friar 35.08.

Next Sunday (January 28) Pensby host the fourth Borders League fixture at Thurstaston country park on the Wirral.

Another strong turnout is hoped for but one important member who will be missing is Gordon Jones, who spent the weekend in hospital and is undergoing a number of tests.

He is a clear leader of the League’s M65 class – as he was also in the Cross-Country League prior to last Saturday – but will now be out of action for several weeks.

Members wish him a speedy recovery.

On March 16, the club will once again be hosting the prestigious British and Irish Masters’ cross-country championships at Rhug, Corwen.

It is hoped that the club will field teams in some of the categories but members who do not intend to run are asked to volunteer as marshals or in other roles.

The event organiser is Gareth Hughes and chief marshal James Rogers, so anyone prepared to help is asked to contact either of them.